Her father is Italian and her mother Icelandic. Emilíana grew up in Kópavogur where, at the age of 7, she joined a choir as a soprano. She continued with the choir until she went to opera school at the age of 15. Later she worked as waitress at her father's restaurant. In 1994, Emilíana became well-known at the age of 17 after winning the song competition for junior college students (Icelandic: Söngkeppni framhaldsskólanna), singing "I Will Survive".
Prior to her appearance on the worldwide stage, she released 3 other albums in Iceland: Spoon in 1994, Crouçie D'où Là in 1995, and Merman in 1996. Emilíana also worked with trip-hop group Gus Gus on their debut Polydistortion (1997) on two songs: Is Jesus Your Pal? and Why?.
Later Torrini continues to collaborate with other artists, notably composing Kylie Minogue's international #1 track Slow with Dan Carey in 2003, and providing the voice for Gollum's Song, the closing theme for the film "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers". Also in 2002, she sang vocals on Paul Oakenfold's song Hold Your Hand taken from his Bunkka album.
In 2003 she collaborated with Thievery Corporation on two songs Heaven's Gonna Burn Your Eyes and Until the Morning from The Richest Man in Babylon (2005), and Slovo's debut album, Nommo.
Emilíana Torrini released her international debut album, Love In The Time Of Science in November 1999. This trip-hop album was produced by Roland Orzabal of Tears for Fears. Four singles were issued: Dead Things, Baby Blue, To Be Free, and Unemployed in Summertime.
Working with Dan Carey, her second major album release released in 2005, Fisherman's Woman, signified a departure from her earlier electronic roots to an acoustic-folk sound; applying the ethereal beauty of her voice in a much more intimate setting, reminiscent of the work of Nick Drake and fellow Icelanders múm. The singles Lifesaver, Sunnyroad, and Heartstopper supported the album.
Her third album, Me and Armini was released on 8 September 2008, to generally good reviews. The album was promoted by three singles: Me and Armini, Big Jumps, and Jungle Drum. The single Jungle Drum became Emilíana's most successful song, reaching #1 in Iceland, Austria, Belgium, Germany, #5 on Finland, and #11 in Switzerland.
Her fourth international studio album, Tookah was released in 2013.
http://www.emilianatorrini.com/
Torrini has lately worked with Canada's Kid Koala, providing vocals on the ambient album Music To Draw To: Satellite, released in January 2017.
The album is described as "...his first non sample-based album, with all the instruments and effects being manipulated by him and him alone) and lyricist (a collaboration with Icelandic vocalist Emilíana Torrini, who somehow makes this sometimes stark, often celestial-sounding record even more chilling with her captivating performances on tracks like "Collapser" and "Adrift") — is able to transport listeners to the depths of space, or wherever their imagination wills them, with ease."
http://exclaim.ca/music/article/kid_koala-music_to_draw_to_satellite
Nothing Brings Me Down
Emilíana Torrini Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nothing brings me down
Full of wine, unsteady
Nothing brings me down
What's left of the rain runs down my roof
Nothing brings me down
The night is lush the air is still
Nothing brings me down
Dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb
The windows are open, the flies are in
Nothing brings me down
The phones are off the music's on
Nothing brings me down
Dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb
Home alone and happy
Nothing brings me down
My love for you is ready
Nothing brings me down
My love for you is ready
The lyrics of the song "Nothing Brings Me Down" by Emiliana Torrini convey a sense of contentment and happiness despite being alone. The opening line, "Home alone and happy," sets the tone for the song. The repetition of the phrase, "Nothing brings me down," emphasizes the singer's positive outlook and carefree attitude. Throughout the song, she lists various elements of her environment that would typically bring someone down: unsteadiness caused by drinking wine, rain running down the roof, flies in the house. However, in the singer's state of mind, none of these things have the power to bring her down.
The repeated phrase, "Dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb," adds a playful and somewhat nonsensical element to the song. It could be interpreted as the singer dismissing any negativity or criticism that may come her way. The lines, "The phones are off the music's on," further emphasize the idea of shutting out external distractions and enjoying her own company.
The final lines of the song, "My love for you is ready," adds a new layer of interpretation. While the singer may be happy and content by herself, there is still a sense of longing for someone else. This could suggest that although she is content with being alone, she is still open to the possibility of connection and love.
Line by Line Meaning
Home alone and happy
I am content to be alone at home.
Nothing brings me down
I am not negatively affected by anything at the moment.
Full of wine, unsteady
I am drunk and my balance is off.
What's left of the rain runs down my roof
The rain has stopped but there is still some dripping from my roof.
The night is lush the air is still
The night is peaceful and calm.
Dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb
This could be interpreted as a lighthearted, nonsensical refrain or an expression of boredom.
The windows are open, the flies are in
The windows are open and some flies have entered my home.
The phones are off the music's on
I have turned off my phone and am enjoying listening to music instead.
My love for you is ready
I am prepared to show my love for someone.
Nothing brings me down
I am still not negatively affected by anything.
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DANIEL DE MUSSENDEN CAREY, EMILIANA TORRINI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind